When most people (those older than 30, at least) hear the words “roller derby,” they instantly recall the gritty, wild-haired, rough-and-tumble women of 1980’s televised sports show fame. Words like “community,” “family,” or “togetherness” are not at the top of the list for many folks. Well, if you are one of those people who have not yet discovered the real-life thrill that is your local roller derby league, we would like to introduce you the true story of this fast-growing, home-grown sport.
First, though, on behalf of Monadnock Roller Derby’s women’s team, the Mad Knockers, we extend our thanks to the many community members who have come out to our community roller skate nights these last two months. Community skate nights are an important fundraiser for us, as we are a volunteer-run, member-supported nonprofit organization. It has been an absolute joy to see your smiling faces, and to see so many people eager to get on skates, whether it’s for the first time in 20 years or for the first time ever.
Our next community skate night is Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Antrim Town Gym. Proceeds from the concession table will benefit our junior team, the Mad Misfits — 10 brave kids who are learning how to play, work as a team, and skate with confidence.
Who are your local derby players? We are farmers, ministers, artists, nurses, teachers, clerks and more. The majority of our skaters are parents. Interestingly, whether it’s our “day jobs” or part-time, almost all of us are educators, students, or both.
We skate for fitness, for fun, to get out of a rut, and to build the kind of confidence that comes from challenging ourselves (Read: doing something scary and awesome).
We are not super athletes, we did not grow up skating, nor do we throw punches or trash talk like in the movies. We love our families and friends, we work hard, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
More than anything, we want people to know how grateful we are to live in a community that provides a safe and nurturing place to play and grow. Our Newcomer Night this past Monday drew a combined 30 participants, including many first-time skaters.
As another way of building that community, we want to welcome you to Antrim’s community supper on April 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Enjoy a hot, nutritious meal with no cooking or cleaning on your part. Proceeds will benefit The Grapevine Family & Community Center, which offers vital programs for people and families in need of support.
Visit us at http://www.monadnockrollerderby.com, follow us on Facebook, or email us at contact@monadnockrollerderby.com to become a sponsor, skater, or non-skating volunteer.
Thank you, with all our hearts, and we hope to see you at all our events this year.
Our 
The Mad Knockers and Mad Misfits wowed the crowds at Peterborough’s 
Monadnock Roller Derby 